What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluticasone nasal (Veramyst)?

You should not use fluticasone nasal if you are allergic to it, or if you are also taking ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).

To make sure you can safely use this medication , tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

glaucoma or cataracts;

liver disease;

herpes simplex virus of your eyes;

tuberculosis or any other infection or illness;

sores or ulcers inside your nose; or

if you have recently had injury of or surgery on your nose.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fluticasone nasal will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether fluticasone nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice. Steroid medication can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

Do not share this medication with other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

How should I use fluticasone nasal (Veramyst)?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Before using the spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. Shake the medicine well and spray 6 test sprays into the air and away from your face. Prime the spray pump any time you have not used your nasal spray for longer than 30 days, or if you have left the cap off for 5 days or longer. Spray until a fine mist appears.

If you have switched to fluticasone nasal from using any other steroid medication, do not stop using the other medicine without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop using the other medicine completely.

The usual dose of fluticasone nasal is 1 to 2 sprays into each nostril once per day. Your doctor may change your dose after your symptoms improve.

Shake the medicine bottle well just before each use.

It may take up to several days before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a week of treatment.

Fluticasone nasal can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your nose or sinuses, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store fluticasone nasal in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Throw the medication away after you have used 120 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.